Method and system to analyze time stamp location data to produce movement and idle segments

ABSTRACT

The method converts GPS signals from a GPS-enabled phone-tablet-device into time-on-site data. A database includes unique task data and data on task person (T-P), task situs, time-on-site, and assignment. Server determines when the GPS is in an idle mode defined by a territory about a current GPS data by a threshold or other algorithm. Processor determines whether the GPS moves by applying an “idle to movement” algorithm, movement by positional data or velocity and “movement to idle.” A time-on-site is determined when idle ON and current-GPS matches task situs. Method transforms GPS data into travel time indicator data and time-on-site data for quality assurance, billing and accounting. The method automatically identifies and divides the movements of a person or apparatus into types of actions (including the non-action, idle mode). The method analyzes, identifies and divides it into sequential segments.

This a regular patent application based upon and claiming the benefit ofprovisional patent application Ser. No. 61/545,957, filed Oct. 11, 2011,the contents of which is incorporated herein are referenced thereto.

The present invention relates to a system, a method and a computerprogram to analyze time stamp location data or GPS signal data from aGPS-enabled cellular, tablet computer or other electronic device inorder to produce movement and idle segments for the task person (user)utilizing the GPS-enabled device. The systems converts and transforms aseries of GPS signals and signal data into time-on-site indicator data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that service men and women and sales persons who visitcustomer locations throughout a wide geographic territory are oftentimesdelayed in meeting appointment times. These appointment times are set,in advance to provide service, repair and goods to the customer at thecustomer location or site or to engage the customer in conversations anddemonstrations in an effort to sell goods or services to the customer.With the advent of GPS-enabled electronic devices (cellular telephones,smart phones, tablet computers and other devices having GPS-enabledcircuitry), it is easier for the person assigned to the task (theservice man or salesman) to locate the customer. However, a problemstill exists if a number of customers are scheduled for a single day orif the task person must visit other stores or locations to collectadditional service personnel or equipment or supplies (vendor locations)in order to complete the task at the customer's location.

Databases and spreadsheets (a spreadsheet being a two dimensionaldatabase) have been developed to provide customer service and improvecustomer relations through the use of computer programs and computersystems. Notwithstanding these tools, business have experienceddifficulty in monitoring mobile work forces and sales forces which needto visit the customer site to close a sale or repair equipment orprovide other services at the customer's location. The present systemand method seeks to solve problems associated with a mobile workforce.

Many systems have been implemented for determining a geographic locationand other parameters, of a device associated with persons, things, orapparatus at a given time. Conventional systems are typically designedto report those raw locations as such without further analysis mostnotably as to what the actual movement segments are (moving, idle,etc.).

There is a need for a reliable and automated method to identify thecorresponding movement segments and idle segments.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a comprehensivemobile work force solution that improves work force capability,productivity and visibility as well as improve the quality of thecustomer experience.

The present system exploits the GPS features of a smart cellulartelephone or a tablet computer with a web based platform which enablesmanagement and assigned task personnel to track, locate, capture data,and record events both automatically and manually to provide service tothe business' customer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an integratedplatform for customers, work orders, tasks activities and parts andproducts inventory management and integrate smart phone features such asreal time communication, location, navigation, audio information, imagedata, signature data and payment processing directly to the user's andcustomer's location.

Other objectives and advantages of the present invention are discussedlater herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be found inthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a system diagram of the inventionand various configurations of the method over a distributed computersystem.

FIGS. 2A-2K diagrammatically illustrate tables with database fields orspreadsheet fields for one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3R diagrammatically illustrate configured tables for anotherimplementation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates the flowchart, routines and softwaremodules for the movement and idle segmentor in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a flowchart showing oneimplementation of the error checking routine.

FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a example of a flowchart for a redlight routine which alters the idle mode algorithm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The computer based system and method converts a GPS signal from aGPS-enabled cellular telephone, tablet computer or electronic device(herein a “GPS-enabled device”) into time-on-site indicator data. Thesystem utilizes a database populated by a plurality of tasks representedby unique task data collections and task person data. Each one of thetask data collections has a task situs location data, time on site dataor data field, task identifier data, task description and taskassignment data. Some of these data fields are blank until populated bydata generated by the system herein. The task person data represents atleast contact data for that task person, that is, the person assigned toperform the task at the customer location. The database is coupled andoperable with a web based processor. The web based processor is coupledto a telecommunications network. The GPS-enabled device is also coupledto the telecommunications network. The system and the methodperiodically gathers GPS time stamp location data from the GPS-enableddevice. That device is carried by the task person assigned to execute orcomplete the unique task. The GPS data is obtained via a web basedcommunication channel operating by a web base interface on the server.

The server determines when the GPS-enabled device is in an idle modedefined by a territory about a present or contemporaneously acquired GPSdata. The idle mode is effectively determined by monitoring a distancethreshold. The web based processor further determines whether theGPS-enabled device moves by applying an “idle to movement” algorithmwhich compares one or both of a series of earlier positions and thevelocity of movement. The server further determines whether theGPS-enabled device is in a “movement” mode by monitoring one or more ofa distance traveled over a predetermined time period, a velocity atpredetermined time intervals or a change in velocity. Additionally, theserver determines whether the GPS-enabled device moves by application ofa “movement to idle” algorithm by comparing one or both of a recentlyacquired series of earlier positions or the recently resulting velocityof movement.

The server calculates a “time on site” value and indicator data when theidle mode is ON and the then-current GPS location data matches the tasksitus location data until the next “movement” mode is detected. The idlemodule is always active and catches any idle situation, without regardto whether the current GPS data matches the task situs. The method andsystem further provides a transformation of GPS signal data into traveltime indicator data and time on site indicator data. The time on siteindicator data can be used for quality assurance purposes, indetermining whether to increase or decrease billing practices for thatparticular task, to determine the effectiveness and completion of a taskby the task person, and to provide a documentable basis for billing thecustomer for the goods or services delivered to the customer's location.

The method automatically identifies and divides the movements of aperson, thing, or apparatus associated with a GPS-enabled device thatrecords the corresponding geographical locations and time stamps.Regardless of how they are captured and recorded (in real-time or not),the set of geographical locations is represented as a set of timestamped latitude and longitude values (altitude, horizontal and verticalaccuracy are also typically available). The method analyses this set toidentify and divide it in a set of sequential segments for each movement(Idle, Idle to Moving, Moving, Moving to Idle, and Idle). Each segmenthas a start time, a stop time, a duration and a distance (if applicable)associated with it in addition to the corresponding type of movement.The method is an iterative and retroactive process for each newlocation: (1) Qualification: Making sure the location is valid (e.g.compute distance and corresponding speed, check the horizontal andvertical accuracy). (2) Analysis: Compare location with previouslocation(s) and previous segment(s). (3) Retroactive analysis: Applyupdate(s) to the previous segment(s). For instance, replacing“Moving˜Moving to Idle˜Moving” segments by a unique “Moving” segment(e.g. when a persons stops at a red light). This retroactivere-classification of data more fairly represents the condition of thetask person in the mobile workforce. The customer (as well as the taskperson or other registered user) may access the system via an ap (anaccess point) from a smart phone or via a voice telecommunicationschannel wherein the system employs an interactive voice response (IVR)module for the communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a method and a system to analyze timestamp location data and to produce movement and idle data segments whichare utilized to provide time on site indicator data. Similar numeralsdesignate similar items throughout the patent specification. Someabbreviations in the drawings and the patent specification areidentified in the Abbreviations Table at the end of the specification.

Basic System Description and Advantages

The system provides a comprehensive mobile workforce solution thatimproves workforce capability, productivity and visibility as well asthe quality of the customer experience.

The system employs advanced software components, modules and dataacquisition and processing methods which exploit the unique smartphoneand computer tablet capabilities and a web-based platform enablingmanagement and assigned task personnel to track, locate, capture dataand record events both automatically and manually, thereby providingbetter service to the system operator's customers.

Customers, work orders, tasks, activities, parts/products and inventorymanagement, forms, workflow automation, messaging and all thecapabilities the smartphone brings (real-time communication, location,navigation, audio, image, signature, and payments) are seamlesslyintegrated into a series of user-friendly interfaces to empower themobile workforce and provide a superior customer experience.

The system operator employs a web browser which is enabled at differentlevels of control for the front office, the back office, the assignedtask person, task team members, management, and, to a limited extent tocustomers. These customizable interfaces provide real time results andtime-and-location based planning and task execution. From the customer'sview, he or she can now see the time-to-arrival and any impedimentsblocking the access to service, repair or sales call by viewing thecustomer portal.

The system uses smartphone capabilities (real-time communication,location, navigation, audio, image, signature, and payments)(alsoavailable from GPS enabled computer tablets and other GPS and telecomenabled devices) and integrates data from those devices with data fromthe front office, the back office, the task person, team members andmanagement, and presents the same in an orderly fashion to theauthorized party.

The system is suited for field services as well as other businesses thatemploy a fleet of mobile workers who execute activities outside of theoffice, such as sales, business development and customer service.

Application functionality and corresponding benefits are designed formobile workers, managers, office coordinators and customers.

The GPS enabled cellphone, computer tablet or other electronic devicewith a telecom link is loaded with native applications that securelycommunicate over the Internet with the system operator servers,delivering inbound and outbound messages to track, exchange informationand manage activities

Office coordinators and management log in to web portals to create andupdate customer data, work orders, tasks, establish appointments, sendnotifications and access reports. The system is an extension of thesystem operator's customer relationship management (CRM) system andenterprise relationship program (ERP) enabling the system operator toextend its existing platform to the mobile world.

Customers are provided with access to a secure web portal to reviewappointments, create new orders and track workers on a time-based formatand a geo location format. The system can be further integrated withinteractive voice recognition (IVR) features to provide an audio phonebased interface for customers.

The system improves workforce capability, productivity and visibility,which translates to cost and time savings, increased revenues and peaceof mind. The system permits the system operator to configure a uniquecustomer access portal to view a wide range of task person data (time tocustomer location, current location, estimated impediments, customerenabled input to add or alter customer contact data (home phone to cellphone to business phone). Accordingly, the customer is provided withmore transparency and visibility, which results in a far superiorcustomer experience and a competitive advantage.

Data acquisition and data processing modules are integrated together toprovide a seamless and intuitive user interface at various controllevels.

Customer Management Module (system operator (“Sys Op”) controlled):Customers (including prospects), contacts, locations, custom forms,notes, history, appointments, customer relationship details such asprevious work orders, documents, billing, invoices and payments,customizable processing rules, bulk provisioning, and reports.

Work Order Management Module: Drag and drop appointment scheduling,automated route planning (based on schedules, locations) andoptimization, automated creation based on rules (service contracts),location based directions and navigation, notes, invoicing and payments,history, customer relationship details such as previous work orders,products/parts and inventory management, documents (audio, images),custom forms, signature capture, customizable processing rules, andreports.

Task Management Module: Drag and drop ordering, list management,expected completion dates and automated reminders, resource assignment,categories, access control, location based directions and navigation,documents (e.g. audio, images), customizable processing rules, andreports.

Activity Management Module: Drag and drop management of appointments,work orders and task scheduling, with real times updates to both officeand mobile workers, automated time and travel tracking and billing withreal location data (e.g. expense reports management), automated mobileworker location and movement tracking, time-on-site analysis, planversus actual metrics for analysis and optimization.

Notifications (including emergencies and high risk situations) Module:Send/Receive alarms, messages, automated notifications reminderswhenever attention is required. In case of an emergency, the taskperson—mobile worker can notify the Sys Op in two (2) clicks on thesmart phone that the task person needs immediate and urgent help. Inhigh risk working conditions, the automated watchdog mechanismimmediately notifies the Sys Op if a mobile worker is not responding.

Account Management Module (web only designed for office): Extensiveworkflow automation framework (rules, filters, actions) to automaticallyexploit all the underlying information (e.g. automatically determiningthat a mobile worker is going to be late for an appointment), formsdefinition (including subforms and dynamic number of items), extensiveset of customization parameters (including custom print views for forms,invoices and work orders), access control roles/permissions (templatebased as well as custom, individual and/or group of users), plusautomated inventory.

The system and method is smartphone and GPS-enabled tablet based. Thereis no need for custom hardware to be installed on a vehicle, and no needfor mobile workers to carry a costly, bulky and slow laptop.

The system is platform agnostic in that the system works on GPS-enablescell phone such as: BlackBerry™, Android™ (Apple, Microsoft on roadmap),and iPhone™ and iPad™.

The system is carrier agnostic and works on any telecom carrier (e.g.AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, VodaFone).

The system is customizable by the Sys Op for any particular business orservice. The system uses XML based APIs to interface with 3rd partysoftware.

Smart Device Integration Features

The system and method exploits the software and hardware capabilitiesprovided by the GPS-enabled smart electronic devices linked into thetelecom system. The integrated features include: Navigation systemincluding audio driving directions; Signature capture; Image capture;Audio capture; Video capture; Location capture; 1D and 2D (QR codes) barcodes capture; and Payment capture (including NFC when available)(nearfield communication payment systems).

Examples of these uses of the system are: (A) Delivery Service: Workeruses the system to view his next appointment, clicks on navigation fordirections, arrives at the delivery point (location is tracked), scans a2D code, captures customer signature. (B) Sales: Worker views list ofcustomers/prospects to visit, upon arrival receives custom actionchecklist, allow customer to use QR code coupon, captures payment andsignature. (C) Account Manager: Worker arrives at customer site, updatessystem database with latest info, adds audio trip report and photo,records video of customer testimonial.

The system and method provides Location Tracking and Movement Analysis.

Component Features such as (i) Advanced location tracking and reportingwith multiple operating modes (continuous, business hours, points ofinterests) for privacy control and/or battery optimization. (ii)Automated movement intelligence including time on site andlocation-to-point-of-interest matching for idle segments. (iii) Privacyand access control framework to respect and guarantee the privacy ofyour employees. Integration with System rules engine to enable location& movement triggered actions.

Examples of these uses of the system are: (A) Mobile worker enters orleaves an area which triggers a ‘geofencing’ activity such as a billingtimestamp, or an email alert to a customer when within 5 miles. (B)Mobile worker is leaving appointment, the system triggers a custom“System form” for worker to complete (e.g. appointment report). (C)Automatically track the amount of time spent at each customer by workersand deliver a report to management analyzing face time. (D)Automatically generate an alarm if a device/vehicle is moving at night,if an advertising truck is idle or outside the area it is supposed to bein. (E) Help to retrieve a lost device based on current or last knownlocation. The geo-location tracking and the correspondence with the tasksitus and the time-on-site factor can all be integrated into aaccounting and billing system which is useful to the system operator,manager and customer. In this manner, the system can be configured tosend a message at the completion of the task to the manager and thecustomer. This proof of service feature is beneficial.

The system and method provides Workflow Automation enabled to provide:(i) A rules based framework based on triggers, filters and actions tocustomize the Sys Op solution to its business needs. (ii) Wireless formsframework. (iii) Notifications and Reminders framework. (iv) Extensivecustomization support.

Workflow Automation functions include: (A) An “Office” alert and displayconfigured to create a custom form to be displayed on the smart deviceevery Friday at 2:00 PM (time and day trigger) to enable input of aweekly status report. (B) The system can display a form or checklistwhen a worker arrives at an appointment. (C) Set a rule for acoordinator/worker/manager to be notified by email or text whenever amobile worker is going to be late for an appointment. (D) Create a setof rules to detect abnormal conditions such as a vehicle moving at nightor outside of a given area, or if a user is idle more than a certainamount of time (e.g. advertising truck).

The system and method provides Activity Scheduling, Tracking andReporting to provide: (A) Drag and drop scheduling of appointments, workorders & task lists, with real times updates to workers. (B) Plannedversus actual visualization and metrics, with the actual automaticallycreated by this system component.

The system and method provides Mobile Planning by creating optimizedroute to save on fuel costs and limiting delays by finding the mostefficient path in terms of mileage and traffic conditions.

The system and method provides privacy and access control framework forthe task person.

A mobile worker's (task person's) schedule is updated during the daywith a new and an optimized plan of activities, thereby eliminatingpaper plans and permitting the Sys Op to reduce paper and ink usage andachieve environmental goals.

The system and method provides Activity and Expense reports which can bevalidated by system audit trails. For example, a manager can receive areport every morning with activity details for entire mobile team: %late, % on site, which customers had access to the task person, facetime with customers, and number of customer visits. A consultingservices company can automatically track distance and time allocationsof all their mobile workers to customers for billing purposes.

The system and method provides a Customer Self Service Portal with thefollowing features. (A) A configurable and customizable web based portalwhich can be branded as needed by system clients. (B) A 24/7 real timeview of work orders, with the ability to update or create new ones. (C)Visibility by customer into worker movement and arrivals. (d) An IVRphone based voice presentation to the customer portal. (D) Notificationsvia SMS (short message service) or email based on workflow rules. (E)Customer satisfaction monitoring via automated surveys.

The Sys Op decides to enable their customers to view location andestimated arrival time of visiting service worker by logging in to asecure web page, or to request to be notified when the mobile worker iswithin X predetermined miles of their location. The Sys Op Customer canprovide quality related feedback via an online survey in the portal orby email. The Customer is able to order additional services via accessto live work orders. This “add services/goods” feature permits the SysOP, upon the real time request of its customer, to provide additionalgoods or services to the customer or enable cross selling of goods andservices to the customer without requiring live human resource.

The system and method provides a Real Time and Secure InformationExchange with the following features: (A) Optimized for smartphone andlimited bandwidth environments. (B) Caching mechanism to enable accessto critical data even when the device is out of range. (C) Open set ofAPIs to enable extension of 3rd party applications such as ERP/CRM tothe mobile world. (D) Mobile workers have immediate and real time accessto the latest customer information, products, and inventory. (D)Customer profiles can be automatically relayed to the worker's handheldprior to arrival, resulting in a prepared worker and a superior serviceengagement (or first call resolution rate, or sales close). (E) Mobileworkers can remotely update the customer profile, capture critical datafrom the field, perform form based reporting, execute payment/billingtransactions, and any other high-value activity that system has enabledfor a smart device.

The system and method provides a wide range of settings for the Sys Opas follows: (A) Global Settings—define the settings that apply to allthe users of the company (SMS, customer portal). (B) PaymentOptions—configure the payment options for work orders (Retainer, CreditCard, PayPal). (C) Rule-based operations—configure system operation. (D)Work Orders (“WOs”)—configure work orders (the forms that are attachedto a work order, the custom print view). (E) Customers—configurecustomers (the forms that are attached to a customer, the custom printview). (F) Forms Presentation and Data Input—configure Sys Op forms asdata input and output templates. (G) Tasks—configure tasks (categories).(H) Activity—configure the custom activity types. (I) Quick LaunchSettings—configure links that appear in the “Quick Launch” panel. (J)User Permissions Templates—configure the user permissions templates thatcan be assigned to users.

Time-On-Site

The System Time-On-Site module is an automated tracking & reportingsolution for organizations that need to analyze the amount of time theirworkers spend on site, but without infringing on their personal privacy.

The System Time-On-Site tracks the amount of time each worker spends atpredetermined locations such as customer or project sites withouttracking their personal or professional whereabouts and activities inbetween. If the Sys Op is interested in tracking and visualizing allmovements and locations, the general system operations described aboveenables that feature.

System Time-On-Site provides automated and concise reports that are sentby email daily and weekly (time, day of the week, date, date range,frequency, destination are all fully customizable). In addition, thereports can be generated for any given time frame or combination ofusers via the web interface.

System Time-On-Site is a solution that provides key visibility andinsight (e.g. which customer was visited and for how long, how long agowas that specific customer location visited and by whom?) whilesimplifying the day-to-day tasks of the Sys Op mobile workforce(automated activity report, expense report documentation and validation)as well as giving the task person or mobile worker the peace of mindthat their privacy rights are secure and respected.

A summary of the Time-On-Site module follows. The GPS enabled smartphone or computer tablet or GPS enabled electronic device, with atelecom link, is carried by the mobile worker. The GPS enabled smartdevice contains a System Time-On-Site native application that capturesthe locations of the user—task person and securely communicates that geolocation, time and date data to the system's web based servers. On theserver side, the Time-On-Site module analyses those locations andcomputes actual movement versus idle segments. For each idle segment,System Time-On-Site searches from the list of predefined points ofinterest (for example, customer or partners address or a geographic areadefined by a center point and a radius or predefined spatial regionabout the center point to find a match. If there is a match, thecorresponding idle segment is saved and it will be used as part of thereporting. Otherwise, it is discarded.

Office Coordinators and Management automatically receive a daily andweekly summary report by email. These authorized Sys Op persons can alsolog in to their web portal for real-time access to the geo trackinginformation or to generate the report for a given time frame and user(s)and Geo-enabled devices.

Additional features of the Time-on-site module include: (i) Associateactions (email, forms to be filled out) whenever the mobile workerenters or leaves a location. (ii) Capture and visualize the entire pathof the mobile worker (e.g. to automate and securely generate expensereports). (iii) Capture critical information from the field (payment,signature, audio, images). (iv) Use the system APIs to automaticallyprovision and maintain the Sys Op list of relevant addresses. (v) Addautomated surveys to ensure quality of service and get customerfeedback.

Details of the General System

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a system diagram of the presentinvention. It should be noted that the method and computer system can belocated on a singular server controlled and operated by single Sys Op,or, in the alternative, the method and system can be distributed over aplurality of computer systems and networks. FIG. 1 diagrammaticallyillustrates both a centralized operation of the method as well as adistributed operation of the method.

FIG. 1 shows a task person T-person 6 at location TP-6 a. Task person 6has a smartphone 7 which communicates via a cellular telecommunicationsnetwork to telecom network A. Telecom network A is connected to internet10 which in turn is coupled to a plurality of computer systems.Sometimes, the Internet is referred to as a telecom network. The generaloperations of these computer systems are known to persons of ordinaryskills in the art. Only major system modules associated with theinventive system and method are discussed herein.

Task person T-person 8 is located at location TP-8 a. Task person 8carries with him or her a computer tablet 9 that has telecommunicationslink to Telecom Network A or Telecom Network B. Both smartphones 7 andcomputer tablet 9 and other GPS-enabled devices use a satellitesupported global positioning signal (GPS) which is detected by devices7, 9. The GPS signal is utilized by smartphone 7 and computer tablet 9to mark its location and provide information to persons 6, 8.

These task persons may be required to visit equipment store 12 atlocation ST-a prior to visiting customer A at location A-1, customer Bat location B-1 or any other customers. Customer A at location A-1 has atelephone 14 which is diagrammatically illustrated as being connected tothe telecommunications network which includes Internet 10. Customer Aalso includes a computer 16 which is linked to a telecommunicationsnetwork and ultimately to Internet 10. Telecom network A and telecomnetwork B are either integral with Internet network 10 or can beeffectively considered an extension of Internet 10 utilizing commontelecommunications system such as land line, satellite and cellulartelephone communications systems. Customer B has a service location atlocation B-1 but currently customer B is located in office building 18.Customer B carries with him smartphone 19. Office building 18 is atlocation B-2 which is distant from customer B location B-1. Therefore,when customer B who is carrying smartphone 19 needs to visit the serviceperson or sales person at location B-1, the cell phone 19 of customer Bshould be utilized to arrange and coordinate the simultaneous visit oftask person 6, 8 at location B-1 with customer B at location B-1. Asdiscussed later, this coordination of both the service person or taskperson and customer B at distant location B-1 is accomplished.

Internet 10 or telecommunications network 10 is connected to SystemOperator I server 20. Server 20 includes a computer processor 22 and amemory system 24 and various input/output devices 26. These devicescooperate and permit Server I of System Operator I to communicate withdatabase 128. Additionally, System Operator I server 20 utilizestelecommunications input/output module 30 to communicate withsmartphones 7, 19 and tablet computer 9 as well as customer A computer16 via Internet 10, telecommunications networks A and B. System Operatorserver I is further connected to a network 28 linking the server I to anadministrator computer 30, a manager A computer 32, a manager B computer34 and various task team members 36. Task team members 36 have teammember smartphone TT-A and smartphone TT-B. Manager A also has his orher cell phone 31 and manager B has her cell phone 33. As describedlater in conjunction with the Tables 2A to 2K and Tables 3A to 3R,System Operator I server 20 can fully engage all the features of thepresent invention.

However, there is a distinct benefit in utilizing the present method andthe computer system in a distributed manner such as a software as aservice (SAAS). In this distributed computer system and method, thepresent invention utilizes a trusted third party (TTP) server system 38.TTP server 38 includes all the elements customarily found in computersystems including interactive voice response (IVR) module 40 andtelecommunications input and output module 42. TTP server 38 interactswith a plurality of databases effectively isolating sensitive data fromSystem Operator I in database system I-44 from the data from SystemOperator II and database II-46. Customer data of the trusted third partySystem Operator 38 is stored in TTP customer database 48. Of course, asingular database may be utilized and different portions of thatdatabase would hold the secure or secret information for System OperatorI as compared with System Operator II and as further compared with TTPcustomer database 48.

Internet and telecommunications network 10 is also connected to SystemOperator III server 50. System Operator IV server 52 is furtherconnected to the telecommunications network 10. System Operator IV hasaccess to database system IV-54. System Operator IV utilizes its owntelecom input and output 56 which generates satellite communicationslinks to task person 4 who retains smartphone 5.

FIGS. 2A to 2K diagrammatically illustrate a number of tables havingfield identifiers which are useful for carrying out the basic elementsof the present invention. In “activities today” table in FIG. 2A hasdata fields for the title of the activity, the user who is viewing theactivity, the time of the activity as well as the work order (WO) task,customer in action. All these tables can be reconfigured to closelymatch the business of the System Operator.

The abbreviations used in the Tables and in FIG. 1 are sometimesidentified in the Abbreviations Table at the end of this patentspecification. Otherwise, abbreviations are identified in thedescription of the invention.

FIG. 2B shows a Customer's Table which includes name, address, primarycontact at the customer location as well as action associated with thecustomer.

FIG. 2C is a work order WO Table which identifies: the type of fileoperative for the open work order, the customer, the customer location,the status of the work order, a date and time for the projected deliveryof goods or services at the customer location, the task person, and afield for confirming whether the task person recognizes (ACK) theassignment or not and an action field.

FIG. 2D is a list of equipment necessary to provide the goods orservices at the customer location.

FIG. 2E provides an outline for the work order reports. These reportsare generated both prior to the work being delivered at the customerlocation and also while the task person is at the customer location.Identification of a function (“FNC”) is also shown in the Table. Forexample, under the “create report” header, the function (fnc) is YESwhich, when activated from the user on the smartphone or the web basedinterface portal provided by the system operator, the user (task person)can select YES generate the report and the system will generate anelectronic fix copy of the report. In the absence of selecting YES, thesystem does not create the report. Hence, the create report has afunction as identified in the table.

It should be noted that many, if not all, of these Tables are fullyreproducible on smartphones carried by the user or task person.

FIG. 2F is a short form balance sheet for a particular customer. FIG. 2G is a “task table” that identifies: the file type, the identificationnumber of the particular task, the status of the task (pending, closed,open), the category of the task, a task description, a “data actionrequired” filed, and a “status” field.

FIG. 2H is a “user table” (a task person table) with a login identifiername, a status and an action required field.

FIG. 2I list a “partner” table. Partners are well established customersor suppliers. FIG. 2J is a table for “devices.” Typically, “devices”listed in the Tables are the GPS-enabled electronic devices, cellphones,smartphones, computer tablets and other GPS-enabled devices, all ofwhich include a telecommunications link

FIG. 2K is a listing of the products.

FIGS. 3A-3R diagrammatically illustrate another group of tables whichare partially complete and which represent a working embodiment of thepresent invention. FIGS. 3A-3R provide examples of the system. Thesystem can be configured in various manners and the tables can beexpanded or contracted to adapt to any particular business. However,FIGS. 3A to 3R represent at least one working embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a configured table showing the initial screen presented tothe user who is logged in to the system. That screen includes fourdifferent sections a “new notifications” section, a “new-unassigned workorder” section, an “assigned work order” section and an “activitiestoday” section. This initial presentation can be altered by the userunder his or her settings function. Under “new notifications,” thefields for the database or spreadsheet (a two dimensional database)include type, Id for the notification, date, description, a functionenabling the user to view the entire alarm or notification record, afunction to enable the user to accept the notification and anotherfunction to permit the operator to delete the notification record. Theuser may select to various functions and this is noted in these tablesas “u-sel.” Therefore, a notification is set for an “alarm” with anotification id record “123” and is set for date “Oct. 10, 2011.” Theevent is a potential low battery on a particular GPS-enabled device. Theuser can view the entire record by selecting V (view), can accept thenotification (ACC or ACK), or can delete the notification (del).

The “new-unassigned work orders” table is typically presented tomanagers of the System Operator. The identification and the title of thework order is provided in the far left column. The customer and acustomer location listed in the next column. The status of theunassigned work order is open, pending or closed. Dates and actions arenoted in the Table.

For “assigned work orders,” again, the title and id of the work force isprovided, the customer, status, date and task person assigned to the WOis listed. Preferably, the phone number of the task person is alsoprovided. This data is part of the task person data collectionmaintained in one or more of the databases 28, 44, 46, 54 in FIG. 1. Asan example of a particular layout, the user is presented with certainfunctions external to the table identified as “X-Table fnc” or“XT-fnc”). Therefore, with respect to new and unassigned work orders,the user can select “go to page 2” of the unassigned work order, “go topage 3,” etc. With respect to assigned work orders, the external tablefunction is abbreviated “XT-fnc.” The “Activities today” Table is selfexplanatory.

If the user or System Operator selects a particular notification fromthe initial screen, a table such as FIG. 3B is generated by theprocessor server 20 or 38. It is well known that computer systems and,in particular, web based computer systems utilize servers to provide adata display screen which enables the user at computer tablet 9,smartphone 7 and computer 16 to respond and input data and manipulatedata presented by the server. FIG. 3B shows a configured table for newand old notification. The type of notification and id of thenotification is indicated as “alarm 123.” This is the same “alarm 123”as identified in FIG. 3A. Therefore, FIG. 3B shows all the datacollection or data record for that notification 123. The notificationincludes a message, the date the message was acknowledged (ACK), whoacknowledged the message, a criticality indicator or alarm, a status ofthe notification, the creation date of the notification record, the datethe notification was adequately responded to (closed date) and whoclosed the date. With respect to “status,” the data may reflect andacknowledgment ack, a pending indicator or a field to delete or indicateNO.

FIG. 3C is a configured table which the user sees once he or she selectsthe assigned work order WO from the main menu of FIG. 3A.

With respect to FIGS. 3C to 3J, the same menu functions are providedalong the top row of the screen enabling the user to select a folder ordirectory under: summary, equipment records, note records, documents,forms, activities, bills and history. These directories or fileselections are underlined in FIG. 3C-3J. The folder which is underlinedand shown in bold has been activated in the particular figure.Therefore, FIG. 3C is a summary of the assigned work orders (“summary”shown in bold print), FIG. 3D is the “equipment associated” with aparticular record, FIG. 3E are “notes” assigned to a work order, FIG. 3Fare “documents” available for that particular work order. FIG. 3G is“forms” associated with either the equipment or the service to beprovided to the customer for that work order. FIG. 3H is an “activitylog” for the work order. FIG. 3I shows the bills or accounting for aparticular work order and FIG. 3J shows the history of that work order.

Returning to FIG. 3C, the “summary” of the work order includes fieldsfor status, date created, customer, location, the task assigned person,the projected appointment data, an estimate of the duration of theservice (time on site) regarding how long the service person or saleperson will be at the customer location. A confirmed status field aswell as various functional inputs are provided. These functional inputsinclude the ability of the user who is viewing the FIG. 3C “work ordersummary” to “input” data, “see more data” on a particular field, “markas critical” certain fields and aspects and data in that table,“acknowledge” that the work was done and “input more” data.

FIG. 3C also lists the travel time and the time-on-site which iscalculated and stored as discussed later herein.

FIG. 3D is an equipment table associated with the work order. Theequipment table can be changed to reflect any particular informationnecessary about the equipment.

FIG. 3E is a “note” associated with a particular work order. In FIG. 3E,the user can pull down a list of personnel such as the task person, themanager, the system operator, administrator. That selected person cnathen annotate the Notes record for the work order WO. Therefore, thetask person and anyone associated with that work order, such as taskteam 36 or manager A32 or manager B34 or administrator 30 can annotatethe “note” record associated with a particular work order.

FIG. 3F are the “documents available” and FIG. 3G are “forms available”to the person. FIG. 3H shows an activity log for a particular workorder.

FIG. 3I shows a billing table for a particular work order. FIG. 3J showsan accounting history for that customer.

It is important to realize that task person 6 carrying smartphone 7 ortask person 8 carrying computer tablet 9 can access this information inTables 3A-3R both prior to beginning the drive to equipment store 12, tocustomer location A-1 or to customer location B-1. In this manner, theinformation stored in all these tables is transparent to the entiremanagement team.

FIG. 3K shows a main menu listing four top level selections. In otherwords, the user, when viewing the main menu, can select home, customer,work orders, task, activity, account or help. Sub-file or folders areavailable under the “work orders” folder which include work orders,equipments and reports. Under the “reports” sub-folders, is a series ofsecondary sub-folders or sub-subfolders which include work orders, andbalance sheets. Under “task,” the sub-folders are task and reports.Under “activity,” the sub-folders are schedule, notification (withsub-folders notifications, messages and alarms), locations (withsub-subfolders last known, task person time sheet, task persongeographic path) and reports (sub-subfolders activity report). Theaccount main folder includes sub-folders for user, partners, devices,products, setting, my settings, and administration. Many of these tablesand data input screen are discussed earlier in connection with FIGS. 2Ato 2K and 3A to 3R.

FIG. 3L shows a configured table for activity and schedule. Thefunctions presented to the user include an option to select the dailytime schedule for task person A, task B and task person C.Alternatively, the user can select a monthly calendar display.Additionally, the user may select all tasks assigned to a particularuser or select “all users” by group name or select a user by smartphoneor device. As stated earlier, the device is a listing of all theInternet and GPS-enabled devices carried by all task persons andmanagers administrators. Alternatively, the user can select thegeographic device or group of geographic devices.

Under “display daily calendar” function, FIG. 3L has a vertical timeblocks 8 AM, 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM extending down through the eveninghours. The rows are identified by the Task Person A, B and C. If theuser selects smartphone, the smartphone ids would be atop the columnheaders.

FIG. 3M is an “activity notification” Table which again shows a dailycalendar identified by column headers for task person A, B and C. Theuser can select a single user in a monthly calendar display or all usersin a daily calendar display as well as smartphone device or geographicor GPS-enabled device.

FIG. 3N is a last known location which displays a map with locationpoints showing the last known location of a particular task person. Theuser can select smartphone in a group, or singular user with asmartphone as well as a GPS-enabled device or a group of GPS-enableddevices.

FIG. 3O is a location time sheet tracker. A display daily calendar showstask person A or task person smartphone or task person computer tabletwith data filled in the row associated with a time block. Therefore, at8:00 AM, task person A has data in their time block extending to 9:00AM. Compared this data with the computer tablet listing only an 8:30data entry. The user is permitted to select various users, groups ortask persons or GPS-enabled devices.

FIG. 3P is a location and geographic tracker. This enables the user toselect a task person, smartphone device, or various groups of devices. Amap is displayed to the user and under the map is a critical markerTable identifying the critical nature of the task being reviewed. Mapsfrom MapQuest™ or Google Maps may be used. Further, a status of theGPS-enabled device is shown. The status is idle, moving, or out ofrange. A total time of travel as well as a total of time on site isprovided in this table.

The table beneath the geo tracking map also shows the start time as wellas the time on site. An approximate distance to the customer locationA-1 or B-1 is provided in this table.

FIG. 3Q discloses an activity Id, a user, customer and enables the userto input display or select calendar.

FIG. 3R discloses an “account” Table showing a sub-account for allusers, partners, devices, products etc.

Details of the Movement and Idle Segmentation

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates the movement and idle segmentorprogram in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Inorder to determine the travel time and provide travel time indicatordata as well as on-site indicator data and time on site data, it isimportant to determine whether the GPS-enabled device is moving or isidle or at a singular general geographic location. The movement and idlesegmentation routine 60 first initializes the system at step 62. In step64, the system and primarily the web based process server gathers GPSdata from smartphone 7, computer tablet 9 or smartphone 5 as well as iddata indicating which one of the GPS-enabled devices is sending thisinformation. Currently, GPS-enabled devices record a GPS signal in thememory of the smart phone or enabled device. The present system opens atelecommunications channel between one of the web processors 20, 30, 50,52 and the GPS-enabled devices 7, 9, 5. Currently, every 6 seconds (asan example), the web based interface on the processor-server (forexample 20, 38), requests that the GPS-enabled device 7, 9 upload theGPS location and time stamp data to the web based servers 20, 38. Aninterface portal to the Internet, and ultimately to the GPS device isenabled by the server 20, 38. Therefore, the servers accumulate this GPSlocation and time data and store the same in the appropriate database28, 44, 46, 54. It is this data that is processed by the processors inservers 20, 30, 50, 52.

In step 66, a test is made of the data to determine whether theGPS-enabled device is in an “idle” mode. If YES, the program repeats tostep 64. If NO, the system executes step 68.

Equation 1 and Alternate Equation 1 which follows describe twoalgorithms to determine whether the GPS-enabled device is in an idlemode.

TABLE Equation 1 Eq. 1: Is the distance between (centerpoint of p mostrecent geo.pts.) and (Centerpoint of n geo.pts.) less than anIdle-Thresold value (where p is different than n) If YES, then geowithin Idle zone wherein n > p Alternate Eq. 1: Obtain: loc. at t1loc. at t2 loc. at t3 Calculate centerpoint CP1 with loc. data at t1,t2, t3 Determine if loc. at time tk < (CP1 plus 25 meters)(“25″ =distance “D-idle”) If YES, update Centerpoint CPk, within idle zone. IfNO, execute next program step

In Equation 1, the distance between two center points is compared. Acenter or “center point” is determined by taking a group of sequentialgeographic data and engaging an algorithm to determine the center oflocation of that aggregated geographic data. A center point CP of datagroup p for the most recently acquired geographic data is calculated.Also, a center point of a different group n of geographic data iscreated. The system determines the distance or difference between thesecenter point data collections p and n. If the absolute value of thedistance is less than an idle threshold value, then the system indicatesthat the GPS smartphone is in an idle mode. Generally, n geographicpoints is larger than p geographic points. With respect to alternateEquation 1, the location is obtained at times t1, t2 and t3. The centercp1 is computed. Of course, many more geographic points other thansequential times t1, t2 and t3 could be utilized. If the currentlocation at time Tk is less than cp1 plus a predetermined value such as25 meters called D-idle threshold, then the system determines that thesmartphone is no longer in an idle mode. If the current geographiclocation is less than the cp1+distance threshold, the system notes thatthe smartphone is within the idle zone. If not, the system executessteps 68.

In FIG. 4, step 68 turns ON the “idle to movement” algorithm. TheEquations 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D may be utilized in the “idle to movement”algorithm step 68.

TABLE Equation 2 Eq. 2A Point to Point Velocity Is velocity at eachacquired geo. pt. over time span (tspan1) increasing? (geo at t1 lessgeo at t2)/(t2 less t1) = vel. t2 (geo at t2 less geo at t3)/(t3 lesst2) = vel. t3 Is vel. t2 < vel. t3 < vel.t4 < vel.t5? Eq. 2B IntervalVelocity Distance traveled over Z, one minute intervals (geo at t1) less(geo at t1 plus 1 minute) = D-interval-1 (geo at t1) plus (geo at t1plus 2 min) = D-interval-2 Is (D-interval-1) less (D-interval-2)/ (2min) > a Velocity threshold  Then movement detected. Eq. 2C Use centerpoint data for “Point to Point” Vel and “Interval” Vel Eq. 2D Use centerpoint data for t period prior to “Mode ON,” t1, t2, t3, t4 allantecedent times prior to “mode ON” then test for: CP − geo at t “modeon 1″ = D to CP1 note: distance to CP centerpoint CP − geo at t “mode on2″ = D to CP2 etc. If (D to CP 1) < (D to CP2) < (D to CP3) .... then“movement” detected

Equation 2A is a point to point velocity equation wherein a velocity ateach acquired geographic point over a certain time span is calculated.The velocity over t1 to t2 is obtained and compared with the velocity oft2 to t3. If the velocity at various time spans is increasing such asthe velocity between time t1 and t2 and the velocity between times t2and t3 and the velocity times t3 and t4 and the velocity between timest4 and t5 is increasing, then step 68 determines that the GPS-enableddevice is showing “movement” as noted in step 70. The YES branched isthen taken from step 70.

Equation 2B is an interval velocity calculation which looks at thevelocity between two non sequential time data points. These nonsequential data points are called d-interval-1 and d-interval-2. Thedistance between these two intervals is calculated and is divided by thetime period of the time stamp for location at t1 as compared with thetime stamp for a time at the predetermined interval t2. If the velocityis greater than a velocity threshold value, then “movement” is detectedin step 70.

In Equation 2C, a center point data is utilized for the sequential timeintervals and for the interval velocity shown in Equations 2A and 2B.

Equation 2D uses the center point data for a time period prior to “modeON.” Data from antecedent time t1, t2, t3, t4 (antecedent to “mode ON”)is gathered prior to the time when the system detected the “idle tomovement” ON. A test is made from the center point of that antecedentdata to when the geographic data for the “mode ON” is detected. Theresultant is a distance currently detected as compared with the previouscenter point distance CP1. The next calculation determines the centerpoint of the current data group (not the antecedent data group) todetermine the distance between the first center point and the post “modeon” data. The resultant is the distance to CP2. If the distances fromthe first center point as compared to the distance to the second centerpoint are increasing then movement is detected.

Returning to FIG. 4, if movement is detected in step 70, the YES branchis taken and the system executes step 72 which turns ON the “movementmode” algorithm. Equations 3, 3A, 3B and 3C show examples of a “movementmode” algorithm. Step 74 enables processing of one or more of thesealgorithms to determine whether the GPS-enabled device is being moved.

In Equation 3, the velocity is calculated between two times, t1 and t2.A threshold is used in the system (set) and the system determineswhether the velocity exceeds a human walking speed threshold. The humanwalking is typically 5 kph (3 mph). If the velocity at two time periodst1 through t2, t2 to t3, is greater than the human walking speed, the“movement mode” is turn ON. In Equation 3A, a further velocity check isconducted by the system. If the GPS-enabled device is moving faster than16 kph (10 mph), the system is still determining that the GPS-enableddevice is moving.

Equation 3B is a determination of two velocities over two different timeframes. The velocity at t1 through t2 as compared to the velocity at t3trough t4. Further, if a differences in velocities exceed a threshold Vdifferential, then the system continues to determine that the “movementmode” is ON for that particular GPS-enabled device. Equation 3C utilizesalgorithm with distance traveled data per a predetermined time frame andalso and antecedent distance and velocity and a post-modal distance andvelocity, all as compared with a more recent time interval.

Several algorithms could be utilized and the equations presented hereinare only examples. If the GPS is still moving, the YES branch is takenand the system in step 76 sets the “movement to idle” algorithm ON. The“movement to idle” algorithm is the inverse of the “idle to movement”algorithm executed in connection with step 68, that is, Equation 2. Instep 78, this inverse algorithm is used for the “movement to idle test.”If no “movement to idle” outcome is noted by the equations andalgorithms, the step continues to gather data as noted in step 79.

If the YES, branch is taken indicating that the GPS device is slowing toan idle, the system executes steps 80 which tests for the “idle” mode.This is noted in Equation 1 above.

It should be noted that since the system has data indicating thelocation of Customer A location A-1 as compared to customer B locationB-1, and the system further continuously accepts GPS signal data fromthe smartphone devices carried by the task person, it is easy todetermine when the task person arrives at customer location A-1 ascompared to customer location B-1. A simple match achieves this “atlocation” test. However, the system also computes on a regular basis thetravel time from location TP-6 a, which is the initial location ofsmartphone 7, to customer location A-1. This travel time is logged intoeither the summary of the assigned work order table in FIG. 3C as timetraveled field (which may require an additional field in Table 3C). Thetime traveled field may also be utilized in FIG. 3P as the location geotracker. Additionally, the actual distance traveled by the task person 6from the location TP-6 a to location A-1 can be calculated. Thesedistance calculations are provided by other algorithms known to personsof ordinary skills in the art. Since the system also detects “time atidle” position, a “time on site” calculation can be calculated from theidle data. The time on site is simply the time in the idle mode aftersmartphone 7 GPS location matches customer location A-1. The idle timeis accumulated and calculated and ultimately posted in work order menuFIG. 3C and in location geo tracker display FIG. 3P when the smartphoneleaves the “idle mode” state and enters the “idle to movement” state.However, the true test of when the smartphone and the task person leavescustomer location A-1 occurs after the customer location match and afterthe “idle to movement mode” is detected and when the smartphone is inthe “movement” mode. When this “movement” mode is detected, the systemnotes the time and calculates the “time on the site” and fills the datafield in FIG. 3C as well as the time on site field in FIG. 3P.

As a result, the billing and accounting or back office program for thepresent invention can calculate the profit and loss ratio for theprojected service time at location A-1 or the amount of face time thetask person 6 spent at customer location A-1. Further, an analysis canbe made of the travel time from tp6 a to location A-1. Since the billingcycle and the travel time and the time on site is all integratedultimately into the profit margin of the business, this information isof high value to both the managers, the team members, and the systemadministrator.

There are certain errors involved in capturing this GPS data fromGPS-enabled devices. From a statistical standpoint, the captured GPSsignals are sometimes classified as random signals. For example, the GPSdata acquisition can be interrupted by a poor telecommunicationschannel, a lack of cell phone coverage, and a lack of GPS signalreception by the smartphone or GPS-enabled device. The system couldemploy a simple error checking routine as noted in FIG. 5 or may usenoise reduction algorithms or other statistical processes to betterquantify the current GPS location. Also, the system may include historicdata showing “dead spots” where GPS signals are not particularly strongor are adversely effected by buildings or ground terrain features(mountains, canyons, tunnels, etc.). A predictive routine would note apattern of past GPS acquisition “errors” or gaps and then apply anestimation algorithm to locate the GPS enabled device based uponprobability. Outside of the area of uncertainty (the area adverselyeffecting the GPS signals), the probability routine would be turned OFF.Therefore, FIG. 5 shows an error checking routine which is an example ofat least one method to recognize these errors. In step 90, adetermination is made whether the geo enabled device if OFF. If YES, thesystem waits until the device logs-in in step 91. If NO, meaning thatthe geo enabled device is ON and logged in, the system executes step 92which gathers the geographic time stamp location data from thesmartphone. In step 94 the system determines whether there has been noGPS signal after a certain time interval K. If NO, the system loops backto gather step 92. If YES, the system executes step 96 which counts thesignal “not available” (n/a) time events. In a 6 second cycle, three n/acounts are logged in a 20 second time interval. In step 98 the systemdetermines whether the n/a GPS count exceeds a threshold value. Oneerror is whether sequential acquisition times t1, t2, t3 have beenmissed (three n/a counts in 20 sec). In the present working embodiment,the system gathers GPS signal every 6 seconds. If the signal is notreceived by the process server for 1 minute, this is 10 unit timeinterval, equal to 10 n/a counts. Test A in step 98 may be met that ifthe GPS signal has not received four 10 sampling times (represented 1minute) the YES branch is taken. Test B in step 98 determines whetherthere has been an n number of n/a events within a certain time intervalT-error. In other words, if there are 6 non available GPS signal eventswithin a five minute T-error time period, the system is programmed togenerate a YES indicator from step 98. If the signal n/a threshold hasnot been met, the NO branch is taken and in step 99 the system resetsthe n/a signal count if the oldest n/a signal count falls outside of themoving time interval window. The system returns to gather geo data step92.

If the GPS n/a signal threshold has been exceeded, the YES branch istaken from step 98 and the system in step 110 checks the history of allof the GPS-enabled device to determine whether the current or lastconfirmed GPS signal is within a “geo dead zone.” If a history for aplurality of GPS-enabled devices shows that there is a geographic deadzone in or near the current location, the YES branch is taken and thetime interval is expanded for the n/a threshold task 98. By expandingthe time threshold in step 98, the system looks for a greater number ofn/a events to better track the current GPS location. If history does notindicate a geographic GPS dead zone, the system executes step 112 whichinstitutes an error routine.

The error routine may involve an interactive voice response or IVRtelephone call to the smarphone 7 of task person 6, a short messageservice sms to smartphone 7 or a notice to a manager A32. Other errorroutines could be utilized.

Once an error is noted, the type of error and the degree of Sys. Op.notification should be posted in Table FIG. 3B. In this manner, the typeof error and any corrective steps may be taken by the Sys. Op. manageror other supervisor.

FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a red light routine 120 whichsupplements the idle mode routine. In step 122, a determination is madethat the system and the monitor GPS device is in a movement mode. Instep 124, a determination is made whether the GPS device is movinggreater than a human walk threshold and is moving less than 55 kph (35mph). If not, the system exist the program at step 125. The reason fortesting for “greater than walk” speed and the “less than 55 kph” is thatin city traffic, the typical vehicle speed between traffic lights on acity road is greater than a human walk speed (5 kph) and is less thanthe 55 kph speed. If YES, the system executes step 126 which determineswhether the GPS device is moving in a singular direction over a certaint time interval. This is a directional test of sequential data. If not,the system executes at step 137. If YES, the system executes step 128which alters the time intervals in the idle mode algorithm to eitherexclude red light time frame from the time interval or expand the timeintervals to include the red light time frame. In other words, if thetask person 6 is stopped at a red light, the system adapts to expand thetime frame to determine when the system and the GPS device is in idlemode. The red light time frame can be obtained by the local jurisdictionbased on traffic patterns.

Description of Typical System Features

The present invention relates to an enhanced mobile workforce plannerand tracker deployed over GPS-enabled devices and enabling access toworkforce data via computer systems, over the Internet and on a computernetwork (LAN or WAN), and computer programs, computer modules andinformation processing systems to accomplish these planning and trackingservices.

It is important to know that the embodiments illustrated herein anddescribed herein below are only examples of the many advantageous usesof the innovative teachings set forth herein. In general, statementsmade in the specification of the present application do not necessarilylimit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statementsmay apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general,unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in the plural andvice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawings, like numeralsrefer to like parts or features throughout the several views.

The present invention could be produced in hardware or software, or in acombination of hardware and software, and these implementations would beknown to one of ordinary skill in the art. The system, or method,according to the inventive principles as disclosed in connection withthe preferred embodiment, may be produced in a single computer systemhaving separate elements or means for performing the individualfunctions or steps described or claimed or one or more elements or meanscombining the performance of any of the functions or steps disclosed orclaimed, or may be arranged in a distributed computer system,interconnected by any suitable means as would be known by one ofordinary skill in the art.

According to the inventive principles as disclosed in connection withthe preferred embodiments, the invention and the inventive principlesare not limited to any particular kind of computer system but may beused with any general purpose computer, as would be known to one ofordinary skill in the art, arranged to perform the functions describedand the method steps described. The operations of such a computer, asdescribed above, may be according to a computer program contained on amedium for use in the operation or control of the computer as would beknown to one of ordinary skill in the art. The computer medium which maybe used to hold or contain the computer program product, may be afixture of the computer such as an embedded memory or may be on atransportable medium such as a disk, as would be known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Further, the program, or components ormodules thereof, may be downloaded from the Internet of otherwisethrough a computer network.

The invention is not limited to any particular computer program or logicor language, or instruction but may be practiced with any such suitableprogram, logic or language, or instructions as would be known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Without limiting the principles of thedisclosed invention any such computing system can include, inter alia,at least a computer readable medium allowing a computer to read data,instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readableinformation from the computer readable medium. The computer readablemedium may include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory,floppy disk, disk drive memory, CD-ROM, and other permanent storage.Additionally, a computer readable medium may include, for example,volatile storage such as RAM, buffers, cache memory, and networkcircuits.

Furthermore, the computer readable medium may include computer readableinformation in a transitory state medium such as a network link and/or anetwork interface, including a wired network or a wireless network, thatallow a computer to read such computer readable information.

In the drawings, and sometimes in the specification, reference is madeto certain abbreviations. The following Abbreviations Table provides acorrespondence between the abbreviations and the item or feature.

Abbreviations Table Admin Administrator ap an access point APIapplication program interface ASP application service provider - serveron a network bd board comm. communications, typically telecommunicationscomp computer with Internet access comp-tbl computer tablet with GPS andtelecom link CPU central processing unit db data base, may also refer toa spreadsheet (a two-dimensional database) Disp display or code docdocument dr drive, e.g., computer hard drive Equip equipment fncfunction such as V = View, ACC = Accept task; DEl = delete entry; ACK =acknowledge receipt of comm. Geo geographic location or data (geo.loc.is GPS data) GPS geo positioning system and location (optionally timedata) HR human resources or regional manager I/O input/output IntInternet network (part of the telecom network) loc location loc. ptr.displayed location on a displayed map mem memory Mess message as in SMSor text message mgr. manager in the Sys Op administration ntwk networkpend pending, such as a posted task, not yet completed pgm program procprocessor, as in computer processor Pty party, as in Trusted 3^(rd)Party (“TTP”) P/W password Rcd database record or record profile reregarding or relating to Reg'd registered as in Reg'd Pro, RegisteredProvider rel release req request rev review Rpt Report rt real time, mayinclude day and time stamp data sec security Sel select sm-ph smartcellphone with GPS SR sales representative sys system Sys Op SystemOperator t time, sometimes refers to day and date and time of dayT-person task person who is assigned a task Tbl table, may be configuredas a database or spreadsheet telecom telecommunications system ornetwork URL Uniform Resource Locator, or other network locator u-selUser selects function WO work order X-tbl a selectable user functiondisplayed beyond the grid line of the data table

The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications and changeswithin the scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-based method to convert GPS signaldata from a GPS-enabled cellular phone, tablet computer or electronicdevice into travel time indicator data and on-site indicator data, themethod operative with a database populated with task person datarepresenting at least contact data for that task person, and datarepresenting a plurality of task situs locations and tasks, saiddatabase coupled to a web-based processor which in turn is coupled to atelecommunications network, said GPS-enabled device coupled to saidtelecommunications network, the method comprising: periodicallygathering substantially in real time GPS time stamped location data fromsaid GPS-enabled device adapted to be used by said task person via aweb-based communications channel between said web-based processor andsaid GPS-enabled device; determining when said GPS-enabled device is inan idle mode defined by a territory about a present GPS location data bymonitoring a distance threshold; determining whether said GPS-enableddevice moves by application of an idle-to-movement algorithm comparingone or both of a series of earlier positions and the velocity ofmovement; determining whether said GPS-enabled device is in a movementmode by monitoring one or more of a distance traveled over apredetermined time period, a velocity at predetermined time intervalsand a change in velocity; determining whether said GPS-enabled devicemoves by application of a movement-to-idle algorithm comparing one orboth of a recently acquired series of earlier positions and the recentlyresulting velocity of movement; calculating a time-on-site when the idlemode is ON and the then current GPS location data matches said tasksitus location data until the next movement mode is detected;calculating the travel time between adjacent ones of said plurality oftasks within a defined work period; calculating a projected time ofarrival based upon at least the task person's current location data andsaid task situs location data; calculating the distance to said tasksitus based upon the task person's current location data and the tasksitus location data; notifying, via voice, text, email or interactivevoice response message, one or more from the group of: (i) a task personcoordinator, (ii) task person, (iii) task person manager or (iv)customer, of one or the other: (a) said time-on-site at the task situslocation and (b) said travel time between time adjacent ones of saidplurality of tasks; generating displayable data for a customer'sInternet-enabled device of one or both of (a) said projected time ofarrival and (b) said distance to said task situs; and when said customeris not at said task situs, generating further displayable data to saidcustomer Internet-enabled device of one or both of (a) an updatedprojected time of arrival and (b) an updated task person distance tosaid task situs, thereby effecting coordination of a substantiallysimultaneous visit of said task person and said customer at said tasksitus.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein determining said idlemode includes combining earlier GPS location data and comparing theresultant to said distance threshold.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2including storing said time-on-site data in the corresponding task datacollection.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the methodincludes calculating the travel time includes the time period from (a)the idle-to-movement time data point immediately after the task situslocation and GPS match to (b) the next sequential task situs locationand GPS match from the next sequential unique task data collection.
 5. Amethod as claimed in claim 4 including storing said travel time data inthe corresponding task data collection.
 6. A computer-based method toconvert GPS signal data from a GPS-enabled cellular phone, tabletcomputer or electronic device into time-on-site indicator data, themethod operative with a database populated with task person datarepresenting at least contact data for that task person, and datarepresenting a plurality of task situs locations and tasks, saiddatabase coupled to a web-based processor which in turn is coupled to atelecommunications network, said GPS-enabled device coupled to saidtelecommunications network, the method comprising: periodicallygathering substantially in real time GPS time stamped location data fromsaid GPS-enabled device adapted to be used by said task person via aweb-based communications channel between said web-based processor andsaid GPS-enabled device; determining when said GPS-enabled device is inan idle mode defined by a territory about a present GPS location data bymonitoring a distance threshold; determining whether said GPS-enableddevice moves by application of an idle-to-movement algorithm comparingone or both of a series of earlier positions and the velocity ofmovement; determining whether said GPS-enabled device is in a movementmode by monitoring one or more of a distance traveled over apredetermined time period, a velocity at predetermined time intervalsand a change in velocity; determining whether said GPS-enabled devicemoves by application of a movement-to-idle algorithm comparing one orboth of a recently acquired series of earlier positions and the recentlyresulting velocity of movement; calculating a projected time of arrivalbased upon at least the task person's current location data and saidtask situs location data; calculating the distance to said task situsbased upon the task person's current location data and the task situslocation data; calculating a time-on-site when the idle mode is ON andthe then current GPS location data matches said task situs location datauntil the next movement mode is detected; notifying, via voice, text,email or interactive voice response message, one or more from the groupof: (i) a task person coordinator, (ii) task person, (iii) task personmanager or (iv) customer, said time-on-site at the task situs location;generating displayable data for a customer's Internet-enabled device ofone or both of (a) said projected time of arrival and (b) said distanceto said task situs; and when said customer is not at said task situs,generating further displayable data to said customer of one or both of(a) an updated projected time of arrival and (b) an updated task persondistance to said task situs, thereby effecting coordination of asubstantially simultaneous visit of said task person and said customerat said task situs.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 6 whereindetermining said idle mode includes combining earlier GPS location dataand comparing the resultant to said distance threshold.
 8. A method asclaimed in claim 7 including storing said time-on-site data in thecorresponding task data collection.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 7wherein the method including calculating the travel time between timeadjacent ones of said plurality of tasks within a defined work period bycalculating the time period from (a) the idle-to-movement time datapoint immediately after the task situs location and GPS match to (b) thenext sequential task situs location and GPS match from the nextsequential unique task data collection.
 10. A method as claimed in claim9 including storing said travel time data in the corresponding task datacollection.
 11. A computer system converting GPS signal data from aGPS-enabled cellular phone, tablet computer or electronic device intotime-on-site indicator data, a web-based server coupled to atelecommunications network and further coupled to said GPS-enableddevice, said server maintaining a database populated with task persondata representing at least contact data for that task person and tasksitus location data, comprising: a web-based interface on said serverand in communication with said GPS-enabled device, said interfaceperiodically gathering GPS time stamped location data from saidGPS-enabled device adapted to be used by said task person; said serverhaving an idle mode means for determining when said GPS-enabled deviceis in an idle mode defined by a territory about a present GPS locationdata by monitoring a distance threshold; said server having anidle-to-move means for determining whether said GPS-enabled device movesby application of an idle-to-movement algorithm comparing one or both ofa series of earlier positions and the velocity of movement; said serverhaving movement mode means for determining whether said GPS-enableddevice is in a movement mode by monitoring one or more of a distancetraveled over a predetermined time period, a velocity at predeterminedtime intervals and a change in velocity; said server having amove-to-idle means for determining whether said GPS-enabled device movesby application of a movement-to-idle algorithm comparing one or both ofa recently acquired series of earlier positions and the recentlyresulting velocity of movement; and a processor to calculate atime-on-site when the idle mode is ON and the then current GPS locationdata matches said task situs location data until the next movement modeis detected; means for calculating the travel time as travel time databetween time adjacent ones of said plurality of tasks within a definedwork period by calculating the time period from (a) the idle-to-movementtime data point immediately after the task situs location and GPS matchto (b) the next sequential task situs location and GPS match from thenext sequential unique task data collection; means for calculating aprojected time of arrival based upon at least the task person's currentlocation data and said task situs location data; means for calculatingthe distance to said task situs based upon the task person's currentlocation data and the task situs location data; said server having acommunications module transferring substantially real time datarepresentative of said GPS time stamped location data from saidGPS-enabled device used by said task person; said server having afurther communications module transferring said travel time data to oneor more from the group of: (i) a task person coordinator, (ii) taskperson, (iii) task person manager or (iv) customer; means forgenerating, in a first instance, displayable data for a customer'sInternet-enabled device of one or both of (a) said projected time ofarrival and (b) said distance to said task situs; and said means forgenerating, in another instance, updated displayable data to saidcustomer Internet-enabled device of one or both of (a) an updatedprojected time of arrival and (b) an updated task person distance tosaid task situs, thereby effecting coordination of a substantiallysimultaneous visit of said task person and said customer at said tasksitus while said customer is in transit.
 12. A computer system asclaimed in claim 11 wherein said idle means determines said idle mode bycombining earlier GPS location data and comparing the resultant to saiddistance threshold.
 13. A computer system as claimed in claim 12includes a data storage for storing said time-on-site data.
 14. Acomputer system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said computer system is adistributed computer system, wherein: said server includes said idlemode means, said idle-to-move means, said movement mode means and saidmove-to-idle means; said distributed computer system including asupplemental computer having a supplemental database populated with saidtask person data; said server having an additional communications moduletransferring real time data representative of said GPS time stampedlocation data from said GPS-enabled device used by said task person tosaid supplemental database.
 15. A distributed computer system as claimedin claim 14 wherein the supplemental database is further populated withtask situs location data, and the additional communications module ofsaid server updates time-on-site data in said supplemental database whenthe idle mode is ON and the then current GPS location data matches saidtask situs location data.